Around The Park System: Bike Shuttles At Cape Cod National Seashore, Fire Worries In The Rockies, And More

Biking at Cape Cod National Seashore this summer? You can take advantage of a new bike shuttle service between Marconi Beach Road in Wellfleet, and MacMillan Pier in Provincetown. The service will operate as a pilot program on weekends through September 2.The shuttles will make stops along the way at beaches, bike trails, bus stops, and town centers, and will operate on a 90-minute schedule.

"The shuttle will provide a valuable service for seashore visitors and neighbors who wish to enjoy the Outer Cape by bike, but who are challenged by both the distance between Wellfleet and Provincetown, as well as riding along busy Route 6," says Cape Cod Superintendent George Price.

The new service was developed in partnership with the Cape Cod Commission, the National Park Service, and the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, which will operate the shuttle service.

The first shuttle will leave the pier and travel towards Wellfleet at 8 a.m. The last one will leave the pier at 3:30 p.m. In the opposite direction, the first shuttle will leave the Marconi Beach Road bus shelter and travel towards Provincetown at 9:30 a.m. The last one will leave the Marconi bus stop at 5 p.m. Fares are $2 per person for adults and youths, $1 for people 60 and older and people with disabilities

Salem Maritime National Historic Site Opens Friendship To The Public

The second phase of repair work on Friendship of Salem, Salem Maritime National Historic Site's tall ship, is currently under way at the ship's berth on Derby Wharf. Friendship will not be participating in any sailing events this year due to ongoing work. Public access to Friendshipwill continue throughout the summer on a modified schedule as carpenters and engineers complete various maintenance projects aboard the ship. Visitors can tour Friendship on a regular basis to explore the ship, except for when repair operations prevent safe public access.

"Our priority during this second phase of maintenance is the safety of the visiting public, our staff and contractors," said Superintendent Michael Quijano-West. "As often as conditions permit, visitors will be able to tour the ship, learn its history and ask questions about the on-going maintenance they see happening around them. Our rangers and volunteers will use this opportunity to allow visitors to see this unique behind-the-scenes work, all while explaining the 21st-century challenges of maintaining a replica tall ship."

Friendship returned to Salem on June 9th after spending nine months in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, undergoing inspection and scheduled repairs. Park management elected to bring Friendship home to Salem before the full scope of repair was complete.

"Local residents, visitors and staff were all eager to see Friendship back at Derby Wharf during her extended absence," said Friendship Captain Jeremy Bumagin. "This past spring we looked at the remaining work and decided we could complete the rest of this maintenance work while in port at Salem. This option gave us better operational flexibility - all while enabling the public to visit and learn about what it takes to maintain this 340-ton wooden ship. For most days this summer, the ship will be wide open and touring Friendship will be business as usual."

Redwood National And State Park Closes Road For Cyclists

This Sunday will feature a "vehicle-free period" on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway in Redwood National and State Park, making a perfect opportunity for cyclists to get out and enjoy this pleasant stretch of road without dodging vehicles.

The parkway gates will be closed to vehicle access at 10 p.m. on June 23rd and reopened at 10 p.m. on June 24th. Whether you are a child on a tricycle, your first two-wheeler, or an adult daydreaming of Tour de France glory, this is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy walking or biking without the worry of traffic.

Open Fires Restricted In Dinosaur National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park

Dinosaur National Monument Superintendent Mary Risser has instituted a ban on open fires in the monument due to the extreme fire danger in the region.

The past winter's low snowfall, coupled with a dry spring and a large amount of flammable vegetation left over from last year, has created a high fire danger situation. To protect visitors and park staff in Dinosaur National Monument and the natural and cultural resources, Stage 2 fire restrictions have been issued.

Building or using any open fire or campfire is prohibited - including in fire grates in Park Service campgrounds and picnic areas. Stoves that use pressurized gas or liquid fuel are permitted. Building any type of fire in a fire pan is prohibited. Smoking cigarettes is restricted to enclosed vehicles and buildings, if allowed.

All chainsaws and other internal combustion engines, including motorcycles, must have spark arresting devices that are properly installed and in working order. Use of fireworks or pyrotechnic devices, including fire crackers, sparklers, fireworks, blasting caps or any incendiary device that may result in the ignition of flammable material, is prohibited.

Use of welding and cutting torch devices is prohibited.

These restrictions will remain in effect until such time as the fire danger in the park becomes less severe. These restrictions are dependent upon extended fire weather and conditions and will be evaluated daily. At this time, there are no fires reported within the park.

A similar ban has been put into place at Mesa Verde National Park, where officials say fire danger levels are now at "extreme" levels. Pressurized gas stoves are permitted at Morefield Campground and Chapin Mesa picnic area. Smoking is permitted only inside enclosed vehicles.

Olympic National Park Is Looking For Volunteers To Help With Elwha Restoration

Olympic National Park officials are looking for volunteers to help with the the Elwha River Restoration by assisting with native seed collection, growing and caring for native plants at Olympic National Park’s nursery, and replanting former Lake Mills.

This summer, there are opportunities at the Matt Albright Native Plant Center, located east of Port Angeles in Robin Hill Farm County Park. There, volunteers are invited to help transplant native seedlings, clean and sow seed, and care for the thousands of natives that will be planted in former Lake Mills this fall. Regular volunteer drop-in days at the nursery are Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about volunteer opportunities with the Elwha River Restoration Revegetation Project, contact Jill Zarzeczny at Jill_Zarzeczny@nps.gov or 360.565.3047